Sarah Crossan, Where the Heart Should Be, Bloomsbury Publishing, March 2024, 400 pp., RRP $17.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781526617521
Sarah Crossan’s Where the Heart Should Be is a heart-wrenching and thought-provoking novel that lingers with readers long after they’ll turned the final page. Despite the sparse prose, the narrative doesn’t feel lacking in context. The writing is simple, yet it carries an undeniable emotional weight. This novel is an emotional journey that leaves a lasting impression, showcasing the delicate balance between survival and sacrifice during one of Ireland’s darkest periods.
Set in 1846, during the harrowing period of the Great Irish Famine, the story follows Nell, a teenage girl faced with the impossible task of keeping her family of four alive amidst one of the darkest chapters in Irish history. Nell, unlike most boys and girls in the neighbouring farming families, finds solace in poetry and learning. However, with the potato crops blighted and inedible, she is forced to work as a kitchen maid at the nearby landlord’s estate. Through her eyes, readers witness the appalling conditions faced by the peasant class, contrasted sharply with the greed and arrogance of the English upper-class landlords. As tensions rise and desperation grows, Nell crosses paths with John Browning, the landlord’s nephew and heir. Despite their differing stations, their shared interests and mutual understanding forge a connection that goes beyond societal divides. Amidst the tragedy unfolds a tender love story, where Nell and Johnny navigate their complex circumstances with maturity beyond their years.
The bleakness of the Irish countryside, the desperation of the famine, and the quiet determination of a girl forced to grow up too quickly is skilfully captured. Crossan does not shy away from portraying the brutal reality of the famine, but she also highlights the small acts of kindness and the strength found in community and familial bonds. This novel is not just about surviving starvation but about preserving one’s humanity in the face of overwhelming suffering.
Where the Heart Should Be is a devastating and beautifully written novel about resilience and survival in the face of great adversity. Themes of love, family, and sacrifice are at its heart. Recommended for readers aged 15 and older, the blend of historical fiction with contemporary storytelling make this a compelling read for a wide audience.
Reviewed by India Boon.
